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Hicks, Florimon get breathers on Sunday

5/9/13: Pedro Florimon is forced to exit the game in the seventh inning with an apparent right hamstring injury

By Rhett Bollinger
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MLB.com |

MINNEAPOLIS -- Center fielder Aaron Hicks and shortstop Pedro Florimon were both held out of the lineup with minor injuries on Sunday against the Orioles.

Hicks, who is dealing with a sore right elbow, missed his second straight game, but he was able to hit in the cages before the game. Wilkin Ramirez started in his place in center field for a second straight day.

"I think he's going to be OK," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's doing some swinging today, so he should be OK if I need him and should be available for tomorrow."

Florimon missed his third straight game after leaving Thursday's game in Boston with a tight right hamstring. But he was just held out for precautionary reasons and was available off the bench. Eduardo Escobar started at shortstop for the third day in a row with Florimon out.

Left fielder Josh Willingham, who missed Saturday's game with a sore left wrist, returned to the lineup. It gave rookie outfielder Oswaldo Arcia a rare day off, as he's been a fixture in the lineup in recent weeks.

"I think we're in pretty good shape," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "Sounds like [Glen] Perkins is going to be good to go if we need him. Willingham is in the lineup, which is good. Florimon can play, but we're giving him another day and Hicks can play, but we're giving him another day. So that's good. Most of them are at least available."